Replacement Tires and Wheels for a Utility Trailer with P185/70R14 Tires and 5 on 4-1/2 Wheels

Updated 09/05/2012 | Published 08/31/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 14" x 5-1/2" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - White Powder Coat

(2582)

$50.99

Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(2821)

$158.62

Question:

Hi, I purchased a 5x8 utility trailer that has fairly new P185/70R14 tires on old 5-lug 4.5 rims. I am repainting it and would like to put a nice set of rims on it but not sure as to the size I need. Im also considering a tire/rim set and just sell the current tires. The trailer is homebuilt and was used for a lawn business but I wont be hauling anything over 2000# and likely much less. Any help would be appreciated.

asked by: Larry A

Expert Reply:

I would recommend replacing the tires along with the wheels on your utility trailer. The tires that you currently have on your trailer are passenger car tires which can be identified by the P at the beginning of the tire size and it is not a common trailer tire size.

Trailer tires will have an ST, or special trailer, designation on the tire size. Trailer tires are constructed with a stronger sidewall and can handle higher air pressures which are needed when carrying a load on a trailer.

If the bolt pattern of your current wheels is 5 on 4-1/2 inches, then I would recommend replacing your current wheels and tires with the Kenda Loadstar ST185/80D13 Trailer Tire and Wheel Combo, # AM3S331. This tire and wheel combination will have the same width and a similar overall diameter as your current wheels and tires. The pilot hole diameter of this wheel is 3.19 inches.

One factor to consider is if your wheels are hub-centric or lug-centric. If your wheels are hub-centric, then the wheel will center on the hub using the center pilot hole and wheel bolts. If your wheel is lug-centric, then the wheels will center on the hub with the lug nuts and the hub will have lug nut studs.

If your wheels are hub-centric, then the center pilot hole of the wheel will need to be an exact match to the wheels that you currently have on your trailer. If your wheels are lug-centric, then the pilot hole of the wheel can be greater than or equal to the pilot hole of your current wheels.

I have attached a few articles on trailer tires and wheels for you to review. These should be helpful when choosing replacement wheels and tires.

expert reply by: John H